Things that most producers take for granted, like a reliable, affordable electricity supply, mains water and freight options.

Many who have pioneered our burgeoning food and wine industries have struggled to overcome difficult obstacles beyond what most mainland businesses face, not to mention the recent drought.

Now there is a ready market for Kangaroo Island produce as the word spreads and “clean and green” becomes more important. The provenance of food has taken on a new significance this century and Kangaroo Island is already taking advantage of this trend for our grain and lamb, as well as value-added products.

At a time when our food is heading up a growing list of menus and specialty grocery aisles, two of our most admired food and wine businesses are on the market.

It is not exaggerating to say our sheep cheeses and marron are iconic.

No Kangaroo Island menu is complete without haloumi, feta, yoghurt or one of the other sheep dairy products. Marron is a unique niche product and one for which our island is famous.

Island Pure Sheep Dairy and Andermel Marron Café (with Two Wheeler Creek Wines) are good businesses with great products. Their owners have overcome many obstacles over the past decade to establish their niches.

The Islander hopes fervently that both will find new champions who share the vision.

Our regional distinction in food and wine would be undoubtedly poorer if the worst should happen and we should lose either of these two icons.